NATIONAL park chiefs are hoping forays into attics when Christmas decorations are put away next month could help with a project which aims to reflect the pulling power of the Yorkshire Dales.

An exhibition of walking paraphernalia from the past century is planned at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes early in the New Year.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is urging people to look in their attics, sheds or garages for anything which could be included in the displays.

Old walking boots, outdoor clothing, maps or guides could be used to help celebrate the rights of way in the national park over the years.

The exhibition - to run from February to March - is aimed to encourage the public back to the area in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis. Museum manager Fiona Rosher said: "The exhibition will celebrate the travelling past of the Dales, exploring how today's footpaths, bridleways and byways came into being and how they developed into today's public rights of way."

Anyone who can contribute should call (01969) 667450. Items will be treated with care and returned in April.